Impression West Lake (Enduring Memories of Hangzhou)
Directed by Zhang Yimou — the visionary behind the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony — Impression West Lake (Enduring Memories of Hangzhou) is unlike any performance you've ever seen. The stage is the lake itself. Performers appear to walk on water. The mountains surrounding West Lake become the world's most beautiful natural backdrop. Music, light, mist, and a cast of hundreds combine into 55 minutes of transcendent beauty.
The show premiered in 2007 and was dramatically upgraded in 2017 to incorporate elements from the legendary G20 Summit Evening Gala hosted by President Xi Jinping for world leaders. There is no dialogue — the performance is purely visual and musical, making it accessible to visitors of all nationalities and languages.
📍 Venue
No. 82 Beishan Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
(Opposite Yuewang Temple / Yuefei Temple, on West Lake)
🎬 Creative Team
Directed by Zhang Yimou, Wang Chaoge, and Fan Yue
Music by Kitaro — the Grammy and Golden Globe-winning Japanese composer
Show Times
| Season | First Show | Second Show |
|---|---|---|
| March – September | 19:40 – 20:35 | 21:10 – 22:05 |
| October – December | 19:15 – 20:15 | 21:10 – 22:05 |
| Off-season: Show does not run from mid-December to early March. Second shows on weekends & holidays only. | ||
Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price (RMB) | Price (USD)* | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Seats | ¥360 | ~$50 | Budget travelers, wide view from A1/A4/A5 sections |
| VIP Seats ★ Recommended | ¥430 | ~$60 | Best value — front & center, only ¥70 more than ordinary |
| Children (1.2m – 1.5m) | ¥310 – ¥370 | ~$43 – $52 | Discount on Ordinary & VIP seats |
| * USD prices are approximate. Children under 1.2m free (no independent seat). Prices may vary seasonally. | |||
Seating Map
🏆 Best Seats
Rows 1–5 of Area A2 — directly facing the stage, completely unobstructed view. Worth every yuan.
💰 Best Value
Middle/rear rows of Areas A1, A4, A5 — wide panoramic view at the ordinary ticket price.
⚠️ Avoid
Area C — partially blocked view. Only book if other sections are completely sold out.
🌟 VIP Tip
Upgrade to VIP for just ¥70 more. The center positioning and proximity make a dramatic difference.
Book Tickets Online — Secure PayPal Payment
Choose your show date, seats, and quantity. Pay securely with PayPal — e-tickets with QR code delivered by email within 24 hours.
🔒 Secure payment processed by PayPal. E-tickets + QR code sent to your email within 24 hours. Free cancellation up to 24h before show.
Book With Us — What's Included
Our Show Ticket Package
- Pre-booked show ticket — your choice of Ordinary or VIP seating
- Private round-trip transfer from your Hangzhou hotel — no taxi stress after the show
- English-speaking guide to assist with ticket collection & escort you to your seat
- No queues — we collect and deliver your tickets in advance
- Best price guarantee — we price match any authorized seller
- Flexible cancellation — free up to 24 hours before show time
Important Notes
📱 QR Code Entry
No passport needed! We send you a QR code — just scan and enter. Hassle-free entry.
🌧 Weather
This is an outdoor performance. May be canceled in extreme weather — full refund provided.
📸 Photography
No flash photography allowed. Mobile phone photos are generally fine — but live the moment.
🚕 After the Show
Taxis are very scarce after the show. Book our private transfer for a guaranteed, stress-free return to your hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive my e-tickets?
Within 24 hours of your payment, we email your e-ticket with a QR code — just scan it at the entrance. Tickets are usually delivered within a few hours.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. Show the QR code on your phone at the gate — no passport or print-out needed. Hassle-free entry.
What if I need to cancel or change my date?
Free cancellation with full refund up to 24 hours before the show. Date changes are also possible — just message us on WhatsApp and we'll help.
Is the VIP seat worth the extra cost?
Absolutely. VIP is only about US$10 more than Ordinary and puts you front & center with the best view of the water stage — most guests who upgrade say it's the best value.
Are children free?
Children under 1.2m are free (no independent seat). Children 1.2–1.5m get a discount on Ordinary & VIP seats — select the Children option in the booking form.
When does the show run?
March–September: 19:40 & 21:10. October–December: 19:15 & 21:10. The show is closed mid-December to early March (off-season). The booking form only shows dates with available shows.
What happens if it rains?
This is an outdoor water-stage performance. In extreme weather the show may be canceled — in that case you get a full refund or we help you rebook another night.
Is PayPal payment safe?
Yes. Payments are processed entirely by PayPal — we never see or store your card details. You can also pay by debit/credit card without a PayPal account.
Can I pay with WeChat Pay or Alipay?
Currently the online checkout accepts PayPal and major cards. For WeChat Pay or Alipay, send us an enquiry and we'll arrange payment for you directly.
How do I get to the show venue?
The show is staged on West Lake near the North Gate. Taxis are scarce after the show — add our Private Transfer (+US$25/adult) for a round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off with no stress.